Immediate Decrease of Muscle Biomechanical Stiffness Following Dry Needling in Asymptomatic Participants

Immediate Decrease of Muscle Biomechanical Stiffness Following Dry Needling in Asymptomatic Participants

60 healthy participants were randomized into infraspinatus, erector spinae, or gastrocnemius groups. One session of dry needling DN was applied to the muscle in standardized location. Stiffness was assessed using a MyotonPRO at baseline, immediately post DN, and 24 hours later. The presence of a localized twitch response (LTR) during DN was used to subgroup participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• men and women ages 18 to 65 years
• reported good general health
• tenderness or palpable trigger point in the muscle (infraspinatus, gastrocnemius, or erector spinae)

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 30kg/m2
• surgery in the prior 12 months
• current pain in the shoulder, low back, and lower leg
• precautions to dry needling treatment (anticoagulant medications, bleeding disorders, known pregnancy)